American Federation for Children

Wisconsin Legislature Expands Public School Choice

Posted on Friday January 27, 2012 | Wisconsin

Madison, WI — The American Federation for Children (AFC), the nation’s voice for school choice, today applauded the Wisconsin State Assembly for passing the largest expansion of public school choice in Wisconsin’s history on a voice vote. 

“Last year, Governor Scott Walker and the legislature secured the largest expansion of private school choice in Wisconsin since the mid-1990s,” said Brian Pleva, AFC’s Wisconsin government affairs associate.  “And now thanks to the work of Education Committee Chairs Luther Olsen and Steve Kestell, parents throughout the state will have the most freedom they have ever had to transfer among school districts.”

Senate Bill 2 expands the open enrollment period where parents can apply for their child to attend a different public school district from three weeks to three months.  The bill also allows qualified students to apply year-round to attend a school in a different school district. However, the Department of Public Instruction Superintendent and the resident school board can deny applications if those officials determine that the transfer would not be in the student’s best interest.

“We hope that the Department of Public Instruction and school boards allow parents across the State of Wisconsin the freedom they deserve when deciding where they want their own children to be educated,” said Pleva.  “Whether it’s a traditional public school, charter school, or virtual school, parents have many quality options available to them under open enrollment, and this legislation will give them greater power to pursue their right to a quality education for their children.”

Last week, the State Senate passed the legislation, Senate Bill 2 on a bipartisan vote.  The bill now heads to Governor Walker, who is expected to sign the legislation.

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